Wednesday, June 25, 2003

As millions of children (and adults) around the world don wizarding apparel and camp out in front of bookstores in anticipation of the newest installment of the Harry Potter series, the much-debated controversy about the books' moral and religious implications revives itself. Critics charge that the books glorify witchcraft and magic and promote evil and anti-Christian attitudes. All such critics, most of whom have obviously not read the books, fail to realizes the series' merits and underlying meanings.

From a religious (and since we do live in the Bible Belt, Christian) standpoint, the Harry Potter serious appears dangerous at first glance. Characters who attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, fly about on broomsticks, and use magic, don't seem to be promoting Christian values and beliefs. If HP critics would take a closer look, however, they would see that Harry and his friends do indeed uphold these values, and very effectively, may I add.

Harry, undoubtedly, is a Christ figure in the novels. Although Rowling certainly never claims he is a deity, the patterns and circumstances of his life suggest those of Jesus. He escapes death early and often as a young child, and lives a generally normal life until he is told that he is an extraordinary person who must complete a mission.

Like Jesus will defeat Satan, Harry emerged victorious from his battle with Voldemort when he was just an infant (although it gave him his famous lightning bolt scar). In addition, Harry and his friends champion the weak at Hogwarts, defending people against their cruel classmate, Draco Malfoy.

Harry constantly faces adversity: Professor Snape, Malfoy and his cronies, Voldemort, and a host of other enemies. He is often ridiculed, but remains strong in his resolve and maintains his humility no matter how great his accomplishments.

Of course we can't truly compare anyone, fictional or real, to Jesus because He alone is God's Son. But it is ridiculous to say that Harry Potter promotes evil and Satanism when it clearly has Biblical influences and celebrates the Christian virtues of love, self-sacrifice (Harry's mom gave her life for him and Harry and his friends repeatedly risk their lives to protect each other), and faith.

Moreover, religious and Biblical symbolism is abundant in the series. On his way to Hogwarts the first time, Harry asks how to reach "Platform Nine and Three-Quarters" and is told: "All you have to do is walk straight at the barrier between platforms nine and ten. Don't stop and don't be scared."

Despite his fear, Harry must convince himself he can make it through a solid wall in order to do it; similarly, we all take a "leap of faith" when we profess our belief in God.

Lord Voldemort, like Satan, often appears as a vicious snake. Fawkes, Professor Dumbledore's phoenix, rises from his ashes after his death, an image that recalls Jesus' resurrection. Harry's mom gives her life to protect the infant Harry and the love manifested in that act is what defeats Voldemort; likewise, Jesus' death for our sake saves us from evil and will ultimately defeat Satan.

In light of all these details, it should be obvious to anyone who has actually read the books without being predisposed to hating them that Harry Potter is no different from other children's fantasy books.

If you think magical powers and spells glorify Satan or in any way dishonor God, you must also denounce most Disney movies and fairy tales. The fairies in Sleeping Beauty and Tinkerbell from Peter Pan practice magic in the exact same way Harry Potter does.

Like The Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter makes a clear distinction between "good" wizards and "bad" wizards. HP is just an innocent series of books about a young, heroic boy that finds himself while battling evil. The characters celebrate Christmas and Easter, even while at Hogwarts.

While of course there are "bad seeds" like Malfoy and Voldemort, most wizards are completely benevolent. The evil characters are denounced and villainized as just that: evil.

If their actions don't speak clearly enough, Rowling gives them Latinate names connoting evil ("mort" as in death, and "draco" as in dragon). No part of the series glorifies evil, but rather it celebrates bravery, friendship and kindness. And I don't see how that is anti-Christian.

Jennifer Gaynor

Fayetteville, Ga.